How Much Does Naltrexone Cost?

The Cost Of Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It helps relieve cravings by binding to opioid receptors and blocks the actions of opioids and therefore is known as an opioid antagonist.

The cost of naltrexone can range drastically, on average from as little as $25 to as much as $1,200 per month, and depends mainly on the following factors.

Type Of Naltrexone

The injectable form of naltrexone, Vivitrol, is used to treat AUD and OUD and is given once per month. Since this is only available by brand name and not in generic form, it is significantly more expensive than the oral generic tablets taken daily.

The typical Vivitrol dosage for both OUD and AUD is 380 mg every 4 weeks and is administered as an injectable by a healthcare provider. Without insurance, Vivitrol can range from $1,200 to $2,500 per month, not including the cost of clinic visits.

Oral naltrexone is available in the generic version. Oral naltrexone can also be used to treat both AUD and OUD. Because it is available in generic form, it is significantly cheaper compared to the name-brand naltrexone. Oral generic naltrexone can often be obtained for $25 to $100 without insurance.

Type Of Insurance

The price of naltrexone can be significantly more affordable for individuals with insurance, as most plans cover a portion of the cost. Both private insurance and Medicare typically cover naltrexone.

The cost of naltrexone with insurance can depend on the type of insurance, the specific individual’s plan, and any prior authorization that may be required for naltrexone.

Dosage

Oral naltrexone is available in 50 mg and 100 mg doses. Starting doses may come in at a smaller 25 mg, depending on individual needs.

Without insurance, oral naltrexone can cost anywhere from $25 to $108 for a 30-day supply of 50 mg tablets. Some people do require higher dosages than others, and as a result, a higher dosage may be more expensive.

Location

Some states are known for having a higher overall cost of prescription drugs, mainly due to factors such as population density, market dynamics, and the cost of living. California, for instance, has a high cost of living and drug prices that are reportedly higher than in some other states.

Type Of Addiction Treatment

Inpatient rehab is typically more expensive than an outpatient clinic, so if a person receives naltrexone in an inpatient rehab, they are likely to pay more than if they receive naltrexone in an outpatient clinic.

Pharmacy

The price of naltrexone can differ drastically depending on the pharmacy. Pharmacies can be big-box chains, such as Walmart, online pharmacies like Amazon, compounding pharmacies, or small, locally owned pharmacies. Generally, online pharmacies and large chain pharmacies are more affordable.

Prescription savings cards or coupons, such as GoodRx, WellRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perk, can help reduce the cost of naltrexone.

Does Insurance Cover Naltrexone?

Most insurance plans cover a majority, if not the entire cost, of naltrexone. Commercial insurance plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare cover naltrexone for both opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Veteran plans, as well as Medicare plans and even state Medicaid plans, cover naltrexone. To find out about the most accurate coverage, it is important to contact the insurer provider directly.

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Is Naltrexone Covered By Medicare?

Yes, naltrexone is covered by Medicare under both Part B and Part D. Medicare is divided into three parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), and Part D (Drug Coverage Plan).

Naltrexone is covered under Part B when prescribed by a doctor or an opioid treatment plan, and also under Part D, since this covers the cost of prescription medications. Copayments may apply, depending on which portion of Medicare is used. It is best to speak with your Medicare provider to find out specific details regarding copayments and coverage.

How Do I Get Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescription medication used for alcohol and opioid use disorder and can be prescribed by a healthcare provider. You can obtain naltrexone in-person from your physician, from a telehealth provider, or from an opioid addiction treatment center.

For those with transportation or scheduling barriers, many find telehealth to be a beneficial way to receive their naltrexone treatment. The screening process includes meeting with a licensed clinician who will review the patient’s medical history, substance use background, and current medications to ensure that naltrexone is safe and appropriate. Additionally, many telehealth addiction programs offer virtual follow-ups, counseling, and monitoring to support medication adherence and continued recovery.

Once you have the prescription for oral naltrexone, you can visit a pharmacy to fill the medication. Some pharmacies are more affordable than others, so it is a good idea to compare prices online at pharmacies like Amazon, prescription discount services like GoodRx, and big-box pharmacies located in grocery stores and chain stores like Target and Walmart.

Regardless of why you are taking naltrexone, it is important to note that you must be opioid free for at least 7-10 days before starting naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and if you have opioids in your system, you will most likely experience an uncomfortable and even painful precipitous opioid withdrawal. Your healthcare provider may test you for opioids before prescribing naltrexone to ensure you are not at risk of opioid withdrawal.

Conversely, active alcohol consumption does not affect the initiation of naltrexone therapy. In fact, clinicians can begin naltrexone even if patients continue to drink or have relapsed.

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How Can I Save On Naltrexone?

There are several ways to save on naltrexone, including using coupons, purchasing 90-day supplies, shopping at pharmacies, and participating in patient assistance programs.

• Coupons: Prescription discount cards or coupons are provided by companies that partner with both pharmacies and the manufacturer to reduce the cost of naltrexone if you are paying out of pocket. Many of these coupons can be found online. WellRx and GoodRx are two examples of online coupons.
• 90-day supply: Sometimes, a 90-day supply of naltrexone is cheaper than a 30-day supply, so consider asking your healthcare provider for a 90-day prescription.
• Pharmacy shopping: A quick online search for “naltrexone prescriptions” can list several pharmacies along with their prices, allowing you to compare costs. You can use online comparison pharmacy tools, such as SingleCare or Blink Health, to find the best prices for naltrexone prescriptions at various pharmacies.
• Patient assistance programs: Drug companies that manufacture medications often offer assistance programs for patients with no insurance or low incomes who cannot afford their medication. It is possible to obtain a one-year supply of naltrexone (dispensed in 30-day increments) if you qualify. You can search online for naltrexone patient assistance programs to see if you are eligible.

Get Help Today

Naltrexone is a well-researched and effective medication to help treat people with opioid and alcohol use disorders. The cost of naltrexone can vary widely depending on multiple factors, such as the type of naltrexone, insurance, pharmacy, and dosage. Fortunately, there are many ways to help cover the cost.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use or opioid use disorder, naltrexone can be a successful part of a treatment plan. Explore our rehab directory to find rehab facilities that offer medication assisted treatment and start your healing journey today.